Getting fit while getting wet is a great idea and always lots of fun. There are plenty of water sports to choose from so why not give a new one a try, or brush up on your skills at an old one.
Swimming
Whether it's breaststroke, front crawl, backstroke or butterfly, swimming is an excellent activity to boost your fitness. "Swimming is the ideal activity for many who can no longer bear the high impact and joint stress of running or jogging," according to the US Masters Swimming Association. So depending on your fitness level you could embark on a swimming fitness regimen of interval training. Or if you just want to do it for fun, add swimming as one of your 30-minute exercises every week.
Water Aerobics
This is great resistance training as the water works against you as you attempt the movements. There will usually be a variety of buoys, weights and floats to help you get the most from your exercise and it is done to music. It's sometimes called AquaFit or Aqua Aerobics, check at your local pool for class details.
Water Polo
Two teams try to throw a ball into the opponent's goal at either end of the swimming pool using their skill, speed, conditioning and endurance. Water polo is an intense and difficult sport requiring excellent aim, power and swimming skills. There are leagues going on all over the U.S. so ask at your local sports center. Alternatively get some friends together at the pool--all you need is a net, a ball and some buckets as goals.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Paddling a kayak or canoe will really test your strength, flexibility, balance, cardio and muscular fitness. Once you have mastered the basics of propelling your vessel you'll be free to experience and navigate life on the open water. Canoeing is done on calm water and kayaking when the water is rougher and faster.
Windsurfing
Professional windsurfer Klaas Voget wrote his university thesis on the endless fitness benefits of windsurfing. He was surprised at just how good it is for you and reasoned that the effort you put in is probably not noticed because the wind and waves are a distraction. He said, "Windsurfing means the contraction of almost every muscle. In order to stay on the board and to place the sail ideally to the wind, a good body tension is necessary."
Wakeboarding and Waterskiing
Waterski and Wakeboard British Columbia describe wakeboarding as "a buoyant board (resembling a surfboard) that is used to ride over water while being pulled behind a motorboat." It usually travels at speeds of about 18 to 24 mph and you are attached my bindings. Wakeboarding uses almost every muscle in your body as it's difficult to stay upright and to hold on. Waterskiing is comprised of three disciplines--slalom, tricks and jumps. Again you're pulled by a boat and have to stay upright on two skis.
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